SB19 has been named the newest tourism ambassador of the Philippines, joining fellow P-pop group BINI in promoting the country to international audiences, the Department of Tourism (DOT) announced Sunday.
The DOT described the five-member group — Pablo, Josh, Stell, Justin and Ken — as a “source of national pride” and “one of the country’s finest representatives of Filipino culture.”
The announcement ended weeks of speculation after the tourism agency earlier teased that two P-pop groups would become its newest ambassadors. BINI was announced as the first group earlier this month.
Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay said SB19’s international following could help encourage fans to visit the Philippines.
“SB19’s talent is undeniable — their music is powerful, and so is their influence,” Angara-Mathay said.
She said the group has a wide reach across the United States, Europe, ASEAN and other parts of the world, with its influence helping inspire overseas fans to travel to the Philippines.
She cited Filipino-Americans who grew up watching SB19 online and are now booking flights home to see the group perform, as well as fans in countries such as Taiwan and Thailand who can travel to the Philippines within a few hours.
“SB19 is giving people real reasons to visit the Philippines. That’s the kind of reach we want to build on,” the tourism chief said.
SB19 is also set for a major international week.
The group will throw the first ceremonial pitch before the Chicago White Sox-New York Yankees Major League Baseball game on July 29.
On July 30, SB19 will become the first Filipino act to perform at Lollapalooza in Chicago. The performance will be streamed live on Disney+ Philippines.
